MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — Edwards Adult Day Center celebrated the grand opening of its new Zen Room on October 18.

The room, located inside the center on Commonwealth Boulevard, offers a specialized space for participants with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and other sensory challenges.

The room, designed to promote peace and tranquility, provides a calming environment with sensory activities tailored to each individual’s needs, according to the center.

“Zen means peace, rest, and tranquility — those words really resonate with me, and that’s what I want our participants to experience when they visit the Zen Room,” said Patsy Dillard, executive director of Edwards Adult Day Center.

Dillard added that the room features fidget toys, tactile objects, and tailored experiences aimed at providing comfort.

The center, which serves seniors and adults with disabilities, offers various programs including nursing care, meals, exercise, and socialization.

Dillard explained that caregivers provide input through questionnaires on participants’ favorite activities and songs to enhance the room’s calming atmosphere.

The grand opening included a ribbon cutting with staff, board members, and representatives from The Harvest Foundation.

The foundation provided nearly $94,000 in funding to develop the sensory room, offer caregiver support, and purchase buses for participant transport.

DeWitt House, senior program officer at The Harvest Foundation, praised the center’s efforts, calling the Zen Room a “carefully curated environment” that promotes sensory engagement.

Za’Tasia Wells, sensory coordinator, shared how the room improves participants’ well-being through music, quiet time, and personalized interaction.

“We chart how participants respond to various stimuli like ocean sounds or favorite songs,” Wells said.

Families of participants, like Flossie Wilson, expressed gratitude for the center’s services, particularly the transportation options.

Wilson, whose husband Kenneth has dementia, said the center has eased her caregiving burden.

Edwards Adult Day Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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